Entrepreneurs have a lot in common. Having had time to reflect over the holiday weekend, I thought I’d share what the most successful women entrepreneurs I’ve interviewed have in common.

1. Have grit — it’s the “must have” quality for successful women entrepreneurs.
Women who succeed know the importance of persevering in the face of obstacles. Many entrepreneurs call it persistence and determination. Angel Duckworth, a psychologist, calls itgrit.

2. Sharpen your skills by asking for expert help.
Leaders are tested at every turn. Some challenges fall within your existing skill set, some are a stretch. When a stretch project presents itself, don’t head for the hills. Instead, seek outside guidance. Stretching is how you climb higher.

3. Be a role model.
“You can’t be what you can’t see,” Claudia Chan, S.H.E. Global Media, quoted Marie Wilson, an advocate of women’s issues, and founder and President of The White House Project. It’s not that women don’t have potential, but as Chan added to the quote, “you cannot become what you do not believe.” Women need to be exposed to more female role models.Seeing women like themselves who have succeeded, makes the possibility real. It’s inspiring and shows a path to follow.

For women entrepreneurs, a stretch assignment isn’t a promotion; it’s a big project, an introduction to an investor or an opportunity for visibility, such as an invitation to speak at an event or an interview with high-visibility media. These opportunities aren’t likely to come from your traditional networking circle.